Chapter 1
In the whirlwind of life’s grand tapestry, there are moments that etch themselves into memory like an artist’s masterpiece. As I gazed through the window, watching the world unravel at the speed of the luxurious car, I found myself ensnared in such a moment. The city lights danced like celestial constellations, casting a glow upon the fast-moving panorama.
The car surged forward, and for a fleeting second, the scenery took on a surreal quality, as if time itself was unraveling in reverse. It was a symphony of opulence, and I, a mere observer, became momentarily captivated by the kaleidoscope of wealth and extravagance.
But even amidst this glamorous tableau, my senses, ever loyal to reality, caught the scent of leather and luxury, a heady aroma that mingled with the ambiance. And in that instant, my mind ventured to my own world, the world of my faithful companion, a simple Toyota that had traversed countless miles at my side. A smile tugged at my lips, the contrast between the two cars and the lives they represented too stark to ignore.
My attention, however, was soon reclaimed by the presence of the man seated beside me, my boyfriend, Azgar Serkan. Azgar, his presence held a magnetism that was impossible to ignore which is what I expect from a movie star.A gaze that could transfix, a voice that could command both attention and hearts; his allure was a testament to his being. His good looks were akin to those of models I would see on those glossy magazine and think are they really human, chiseled features that sculptors would covet.Except from his stardom and his media persona,he was very opposite,he a quiet man who held a lot.Even though, when he approached me, I wasnt sure but his private life is surprisingly guarded compare to other celebrities.When I asked him about this.
He laughed and said, “The media world, sure loves to pry however thankfully with the help of my friends and plus, my management team I dont need to worry about the intervention.Although,I do have a very boring life, nothing spicy for media to hound me.”
And he did, he was a pure work addict, he makes me feel lovely but at times I feel like there is a distance which I can’t point.I nodded my head for the silly thoughts and looked at him..
As if sensing my gaze, Azgar turned, his lips curving into a smile that held the power to eclipse the moon itself. A cascade of emotions washed over me, caught in the crossfire between embarrassment and curiosity. His voice, a rich melody, punctured the air, announcing our arrival, and I was jolted from my reverie.
“We’re here,” he announced, a twinkle in his eyes that belied the knowing glint he held. My cheeks flushed as realization dawned upon me—I had been caught, unabashedly gawking at him.
He erupted into a booming laughter, a sound that echoed through the car, liberating me from my flustered state. “Hayat, my dear,” he said, his voice dripping with amusement, “I must admit, I find your expressive face quite endearing.”
As I took in the surroundings, a growing realization settled upon me like a whispered secret—this was no ordinary place. I found myself standing within the grandeur of Aegis Munitions Group, one of the most influential names in the industry. Azgar’s words echoed in my mind, his explanation unraveling the puzzle: he was here to meet Xeesha, his childhood friend, for lunch, and I had been invited along at her request.
Xeesha... The name in the business world held an air of mystique, a sense of power that lingered even in my limited interactions with her. My mind drifted back to the time we crossed paths in Bali, an encounter tinged with misunderstanding as Azgar had accused me of taking his photograph. Back then, despite my lack of knowledge about Azgar’s true identity, Xeesha’s presence exuded an undeniable aura of authority.
Her stature may be diminutive compared to me, but her words carried the weight of a queen’s decree, spoken with a refined elegance that left an indelible impression. Now, as Azgar emerged from the office and held the car door open for me, I stepped inside, ready to take in my surroundings.
The building’s interior exuded an elegance that bordered on opulence, each element speaking of wealth and sleek sophistication. A modern building, the epitome of architectural artistry, felt like stepping into the heart of a black diamond, a gem of modernity. The people moving about the space were a portrait of formality, their attire and demeanor reflective of the corporate world’s standards.
In contrast, I felt a pang of self-consciousness, acutely aware of my white summer dress from Zara, a purchase made all the more appealing with a discount. My boots, a $10 vintage find, added a touch of character, though they paled against the polished professionalism that surrounded me. I huddled closer to Azgar, his familiarity offering a lifeline amidst the unfamiliarity of the environment.
As Azgar led the way, employees passed by with respectful nods, a stark reminder of his position within this world. I couldn’t help but feel their curious glances lingering on me, as though questioning my place within this meticulously constructed realm. Their expressions remained inscrutable, leaving me to navigate the sea of formality with a mix of trepidation and curiosity.
Stepping into the elevator, Azgar’s playful gesture broke through the tension, his fingers kneading my shoulder.
“Sweet girl, it’s just Xee. Relax, you’ve met her before,” he assured me, his voice a soothing balm.
I sighed softly, my lips forming the words almost unconsciously, “But back then, I didn’t know Xeesha was the heir of the Qureshi Empire, one of the most powerful business magnates.”
Azgar’s chuckle brushed against my ear, his playful retort suggesting I should ignore the sensationalism I had come across on the internet. And as the elevator ascended, his laughter echoed a sentiment that was much needed— I was chanting in my my head ″I was here because I belonged, not because I lacked a place″
Entering the office felt like stepping into a realm of awe and wonder, a glass-encased sanctuary perched high above the bustling world below, akin to sitting atop the grandeur of New York City and witnessing its splendor unfold beneath a crystal-clear sky. The office was vast, taking up the entirety of the floor, an expanse of sleek surfaces and muted tones that spoke of a world far removed from the everyday.
Amidst this symphony of elegance, my eyes were drawn to her. Xeesha sat at her office table, a regal figure amidst the modern elegance. The woman I remembered from Bali was now adorned with an aura that seemed to have been brushed on by the pages of glossy magazines—a mystic cold queen, a ruler of shadows. She exuded an air of authority that tugged at my senses, as if daring me to decipher the enigma she presented.
Dressed in an ensemble that whispered of old money and refined taste, Xeesha commanded the room. Her attire was a masterpiece of subtlety, an intricate dance between tradition and modernity. The tailored lines of her outfit bore the hallmark of craftsmanship born from generations of discernment. Soft, muted hues embraced her figure, a gentle nod to opulence woven into the very fabric of her being.
As she moved, her dress flowed like poetry, each fold and seam a testament to a legacy of elegance. The pearls adorning her neck evoked a sense of timelessness, while gold accents on her wrists gleamed like echoes of history. Her presence was a symphony of timeless grace.
While Xeesha spoke with a man—Chase Kerrington, as my memory serves from last night’s research—as he moved around talking, I saw how he carried himself with an air of charisma that matched the media’s portrayal of him as a heartthrob and a man of many conquests. His blonde hair added a touch of radiance to his presence, contrasting the dark elegance that Xeesha exuded. I knew from the media that Chase was not just a handsome face; he was also the youngest son of the Kerrington family, owners of the prestigious Kerrintog hotel chain.
Their conversation echoed around me, a playful exchange that drew me in. Chase’s teasing tone rang through the air, his words a mischievous dance with Xeesha’s regality. Azgar’s voice, warm and familiar, cut through the banter, his words hinting at a camaraderie that spanned years. “You guys really started?” he mused, and their shared grins mirrored the ease of sibling camaraderie.
My gaze lingered on Azgar as he offered a reassuring smile, and I couldn’t help but feel a rush of affection. He introduced me, and Xeesha’s eyes met mine, a fleeting connection that bore the promise of intriguing conversations yet to come.
Xeesha and Azgar’s interactions played out before me, a dance of familiarity and friendship. She scolded him for being late, her voice infused with authority that matched her presence, and he responded with a teasing retort about her punctuality. My eyes shifted to Chase, and for a moment, time stood still.
The picture in the media had done him no justice. How could it, when reality painted him as a deity sculpted from sunlight? His blonde hair shimmered like spun gold, a contrast to the dark allure of Xeesha. Hazel eyes held the intensity of a predator, while his lean yet strong frame exuded an aura of controlled power—a tiger poised for a graceful leap.
As if sensing my gaze, Chase’s attention shifted, his eyes meeting mine with a silent recognition which made me breathless.I shook my head, there was no way he would. Suddenly ,Chase whistled looking at me from head to toe, that look of recognition that I thought was gone which was placed by a sudden gleam.
“And who is this pretty goose? Azgar, brother, looks like you’re hesitant to introduce her. So, goose, tell me, what’s your name?”
Azgar stood beside me, his protective stance evident as he introduced me to Chase. “Meet Hayat, my date.″
“And here’s the culprit,” Chase said playfully,″ For whom it looks like my brother finally left our bachelor harem and settled down. I mean, looking at this eye candy, I won’t mind settling down myself.” He winked at me, causing Azgar to sigh and Xeesha to scold Chase.
“Chase, don’t make our guests uncomfortable.”
Xeesha’s words reassured me, even though Chase’s teasing still left me feeling slightly flustered.
She then turned her attention to Azgar,
“Azgar, I called you and Hayat in office first as unfortunately Dadu has arranged an AGM meeting with the shareholders today so buckle up.″
Azgar sighed and looked at me apologetically and with my side eyes I saw Chase rolling his eyes.What was his problem,I didnt get it.
“Sorry, Hayat jaan, this was not planned orelse I wouldnt make you sit in my office,I hope you dont mind.”
I smiled at Xeesha, ’No,it’s totally fine, I won’t be bored you guys can do your work, no worries.″
’Sweet girl, maybe you can read some of the books Xeesha stacked on the table, or watch some movies cuz it might take an hour or more depending on the fuss they will create.″Azgar looked very guilty to which I felt bad,I understand his work comes first, it was not like he was doing it intentionally.
Giving him my best smile I tried to make him not to feel bad but I felt Chase’s curious burning gaze, he just stood there which I felt like he was assessing me.
’So this is the sweet girl, daddy Kerrington doesnt know about it,″ Chase said tauntingly to which Azgar became tense and Xeesha gave Chase a disapproving nod.
I felt intimidated by them, however I felt like Chase was trying to make me feel not welcomed. I wanted to show that I wasn’t easily intimidated , so I responded, “It’s okay. I don’t mind.” I didn’t want to give Chase any leverage over me, even though I found him intimidating.
Gathering my courage, I took a breath and introduced myself, “Hello, Mr. Kerrington. I am Hayat Amin. I am a self proclaimed baker and own my own cafe. I’ve met Ms. Qureshi and Azgar on my Bali trip through our misunderstanding of the situation.Azgar told me about you but I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you until now.”
My words seemed to hang in the air, and the room was momentarily silent before Xeesha chuckled and Azgar smiled.I was red from embarassment as I thought I said too much because of nervousness, as my ma said I ramble when I am nervous. Chase looked stoic then his lips curled into smile , which his dark gravely tone he responded,″Pleasure is all mine,Miss Amin.″
The way he spoke my name gave me tingles all over my body, however somehow I wanted him to use Hayat rather than my last name.
Xeesha smiled and said, “Hayat, as much as Chase needed this, we can be on a first-name basis.”
I was confused about why they found this amusing, but I decided to embrace the situation and politely agreed, “Okay.”
Azgar wrapped his arms around me, kissing my forehead, and I felt a mix of comfort. Somehow I felt Chase tensed, I felt extremely uncomfortable as to why he dislikes me,maybe because of the stark contrast between his and my financial situation .
Xeesha told us to sit,while I sat beside Azgar on the couch, Chase leaned on the glass wall.
The intercom rang, “Miss Xeesha, Sir Izgar is here for the meeting,” her assistant’s voice echoed.
“Xee, why Izgar is coming here,″
Azgar’s question was met with a buzz on Xeesha’s phone. She glanced down to read a message from Kev, her adoptive brother.
“Can’t make it to the meeting, sis. Got some urgent matters to attend to.” A ripple of disappointment swept through her face as she addressed her brother’s absence.
“Jeez,what’s up with him recently, here Sheza and Ozgur can’t attend, however not needed people are coming,″
I felt hurt by the way Chase said ″not-needed,″ but Xeesha glared at him and Azgar was tense so I held on to one of his arms, wanting him not to create a scene.
I tried to hide my gaze from Chase, and the I felt very uncomfortable at this point , wanting to go back to my safe sanctuary.Xeeha’s assistant came who looked very formal she was the embodiment of formality, every gesture and word meticulously chosen, her demeanor as crisp and polished as her tailored suits, she informed Xeesha about some shareholder who can’t attend because of family emergency. I have searched about Kev Qureshi Xeesha’s adoptive brother, the internet provided details about the tech mogul and how he is not into Qureshi business.Even though the way Xeesha spoke about her brother gave nothing away that the gossip page claim that they have animosity and she doesnt accept her adoptive brother.
I shook my head. Maybe Azgar was right; I need to keep my head out of tabloid stories.
I watched as a man I assume who everyone is addressing as Izgar entering, a towering presence with an aura of authority, entered the room.″Lady, your Majesty came″
“Ah, when Chase was just assuring me that the world is giving us just an ordinary day, you just burst our bubble,” Xeesha quipped, her tone tinged with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.
Chase’s sigh, laden with mock exasperation, was met with Xeesha’s laughter. “Well, Izgar, sometimes I wonder beside ratting on us to Dadu and Idris with an excuse of security, your loyalty is watering down for Xeesha tad bit ,” Chase remarked with a grin, his camaraderie with Izgar, who I guess is Xeesha’s security chief.
Izgar’s respectful nod and response were laced with a sense of duty and sassiness. “It’s my pleasure, sir. Just doing my duty to prevent both of you from wandering around like a blindfolded bat .” The exchange between them revealed a connection grounded in mutual respect and light-hearted teasing.Azgar smirked and I bursted out giggling and I felt Chase looking at me, however I looked at Izgar who nodded politely at me.
Just as I wanted to ask Azgar about where we are going for lunch, the biggest man I’d ever seen in real life entered, and my mouth turned bone dry.
Holy. Hotness.
I poked Azgar, my boyfriend, who seemed to have momentarily forgotten my presence, judging by the jolt he gave as I nudged him. He looked at me apologetically and quickly introduced the big man as Xeesha’s fiance . My heart raced as I realized that this imposing figure was Xeesha’s rumoured fiance and the new king of Zahara.
The man who stood before me was a mountain of strength and masculinity. He had to be at least six foot four, possibly even six-five, his body a symphony of sculpted muscle that seemed to be carved from marble. The power that emanated from him was palpable, every inch of his frame radiating an aura of capability and authority. His longish black hair cascaded over his collar and partially obscured one of his intense fascinating two coloured irises, one was greyish and other was stark blue.
He felt royal in every sense, the way he moved with an agility that belied his size, his demeanor screamed submission. For someone of his stature, he had an uncanny ability to move with stealth, as if he was a magnet attracting everyone with the surroundings.
His sudden presence caused a tensed havoc,I felt Azgar holding my hands giving me a gentle squeeze of assurance and Chase smiled at Idris to which he politely nodded.Xeesha very politely said to have a seat which was weird; “Weren’t they newly engaged so why this formality?″ I thought.
Idris sat very closely to her which showed there is quite a bit tension.Hovever, was it my illusion or not but there was some strong chemistry between those two the way he looked at her was very raw.
It was Izgar who transitioned to his role as Xeesha’s protector, reminding her of the impending meeting.
With a subtle cough, Izgar reminded Xeesha of her upcoming commitment and her grandfather wants her presence in the meeting.
In the middle of the chaos,Idris’s interruption sliced through the conversation Izgar was having about Xeesha’s protection. “You have to move,” he declared with a gravity that commanded attention.
Xeesha blinked, taken aback. “I beg your pardon?” Her voice held a touch of disbelief.
Idris tilted his head, his face a blend of Hades and Apollo, a striking and formidable figure. “Your house,” he continued, his tone unwavering. “It’s a security nightmare. I don’t know who signed off on the location, but you have to move.”
Chase, who had been caught off guard, was now choking on his own suspiciously looks like trying to hold on his laughter.Izgar looks strained as someone physically took a blow on him. Xeesha’s expression turned to granite, her gaze locking onto Idris with a mix of intrigue and challenge.
Azgar’s voice cut through the tension, his words laced with an unexpected edge. “Last time I checked, Xeesha got engaged last week, and in less than two minutes, someone is already overtaking.” His statement left me astounded— Why was he being so rude,never have I ever heard Azgar speak like this.
Xeesha’s response was sharp and defiant, punctuating her words with a determined air. “I’ve lived here for two years. I’ve never had an issue.”
Idris remained resolute, unfazed by her resistance. “It only takes one time.”
Despite the intensity of the situation, Xeesha’s resolve remained unshaken. “I’m not moving,” she declared firmly.
Idris turned his attention to Izgar, addressing him coolly. “You’re the security expert. Figure it out.” With a nod, Izgar acknowledged the task and left, his departure seemingly laden with a quiet tension.
As Xeesha glowered at Idris, her eyes resembling precious jewels set in a determined expression, I couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Even in her anger, she appeared undeniably gorgeous. My thoughts wandered momentarily to the man who had garnered her affections, and though he was undoubtedly a striking specimen, I had no desire to be the target of her intimidating glare.
Despite the palpable tension in the air, Chase extended a diplomatic olive branch, inviting Idris to join them for lunch after the meeting. The act of inclusion seemed to have a positive effect, momentarily diverting Idris’s attention away from Xeesha’s presence. A flicker of a smile danced at the corners of his mouth as he responded to the invitation.
My mind couldn’t help but react to the scene before me. In that moment, I could only think, “Oh my god.” The transformation Idris underwent when he smiled was nothing short of breathtaking. The brooding intensity that often defined his countenance was replaced by a captivating radiance, making him even more astonishing to behold.
Idris, declined the offer with a touch of wit, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous twinkle.
“Thanks for the invite, Kerrington, but I’m afraid my little fiancée wouldn’t appreciate my presence. She’s a defiant little nimrah you see.”
His words held a mixture of amusement and fondness, offering a glimpse into a relationship that seemed to thrive on banter.
Xeesha, never one to back down from a challenge, interjected with her own quip, her tone both respectful and assertive.
“No, Your Highness, I don’t believe our little gathering would be secure enough for you.”
Her words held a subtle undercurrent of warning, a reflection of her unyielding dedication to safeguarding their privacy and security.
As Azgar and Chase exchanged knowing grins, I found myself grappling with the urge to burst into laughter. The dynamics of this group were like a captivating drama, and I was an unwitting spectator who couldn’t help but be drawn into the intrigue.
However, before any more words could be exchanged, the atmosphere underwent a seismic shift. In a swift and unexpected move, Idris’s lips were on Xeesha’s, his punishing kiss startling in its intensity. The room seemed to collectively hold its breath, a hushed awe blanketing the scene. I took a sharp inhale where Azgar was smirking and my eyes clashed with the golden one that felt like those eyes was looking through my soul.
Xeesha sat there, seemingly frozen in a state of utter shock, her eyes wide and her lips slightly parted.Idris looked unbothered as he whispered something to her which caused her ears to turn red.
As suddenly as it had begun, the moment ended. Idris pulled away, his composure restored, leaving us all in a state of bewildered astonishment. With a polite nod, he made his exit, leaving us in a collective state of befuddlement, our thoughts echoing with the unspoken question of what had just transpire
“Woah, now that is a scene from Azgar’s movie” Chase said. Earning Xeesha’s glare i-can’t-believe-he did-that-stare.I tried to compose a giggle causing them to look at me with Azgar smiling at me.The assistant voice then came from the intercom informing the shareholder’s are here for the meeting.
